A Fully 3D Interconnected Graphene–Carbon Nanotube Web Allows the Study of Glioma Infiltration in Bioengineered 3D Cortex‐Like Networks. Issue 52 (2nd November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xiao, Miao; Li, Xiaoyun; Song, Qin; Zhang, Qi; Lazzarino, Marco; Cheng, Guosheng; Ulloa Severino, Francesco Paolo; Torre, Vincent
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials. Volume 30:Issue 52(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-11-02
• Subjects: 3D GCNT web -- cancer models -- cortex‐like -- malignant glioma infiltration -- neuronal networks; Materials -- Periodicals; Chemical vapor deposition -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.201806132
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0935-9648

Abstract

Abstract: Currently available 3D assemblies based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) lag far behind their 2D CNT‐based bricks and require major improvements for biological applications. By using Fe nanoparticles confined to the interlamination of graphite as catalyst, a fully 3D interconnected CNT web is obtained through the pores of graphene foam (GCNT web) by in situ chemical vapor deposition. This 3D GCNT web has a thickness up to 1.5 mm and a completely geometric, mechanical and electrical interconnectivity. Dissociated cortical cells cultured inside the GCNT web form a functional 3D cortex‐like network exhibiting a spontaneous electrical activity that is closer to what is observed in vivo. By coculturing and fluorescently labeling glioma and healthy cortical cells with different colors, a new in vitro model is obtained to investigate malignant glioma infiltration. This model allows the 3D trajectories and velocity distribution of individual infiltrating glioma to be reconstructed with an unprecedented precision. The model is cost effective and allows a quantitative and rigorous screening of anticancer drugs. The fully 3D interconnected GCNT web is biocompatible and is an ideal tool to study 3D biological processes in vitro representing a pivotal step toward precise and personalized medicine. Abstract : A functional 3D cortex‐like network is developed by culturing cortical cells in a fully geometrically, mechanically, and electrically interconnected 3D carbon nanotube web through the pores of graphene foam (GCNT web). The GCNT web provides a novel biomaterial able to produce in vitro cortex‐like networks representing a model for preclinical screening of anticancer drugs.